Emotional reactions Quote by David Ogilvy
““A psychologist flashed hundreds of words on a screen and used an electric gadget to measure emotional reactions. High marks went to darling. So I used it in a headline for Dove.””
About This Quote
Source Advertisement: Dove campaign, 1960s
A psychologist measured emotional responses to words, and the most positive reaction was to “darling,” which was then used in Dove’s headline.
In simple terms: Using scientific insight to craft persuasive copy.
Leverage data to choose emotionally resonant language.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- product launch
- brand messaging
- market research
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we ensure data‑driven copy remains authentic?
- What ethical limits exist in manipulating emotions?
Data may not capture cultural nuances or long‑term brand impact.